The High Commissioner of India to Australia, His Excellency Gopal Baglay, made a landmark visit to Bendigo TAFE’s Health and Community Centre of Excellence today.
The visit underscored the importance of education and vocational training in the Australia-India relationship with Bendigo TAFE’s leadership in health care training on show.
While on site the High Commissioner toured the TAFE’s world-class health training facility comprising simulated health care settings, with patient care manikins for realistic scenario-based teaching as well as cutting edge diagnostic equipment to train the healthcare professionals.
High Commissioner Baglay met with students and staff, and participated in discussions with Bendigo TAFE Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain on potential areas of collaboration between India and Bendigo TAFE on mutual skills needs.
Bendigo TAFE currently trains more than 6,400 students with more than 1,400 of those in health and community, to help meet urgent skills shortages in the region. Some students will even use the skills learnt at Bendigo TAFE and take them to other parts of the world.
The Health and Community Centre of Excellence, which opened in 2018 at Bendigo TAFE’s City Campus, offers training in nursing, individual support, allied health, early childhood, community services and more.
Bendigo TAFE is contributing to a highly skilled workforce in the priority health and care sector for the region and is set to expand its training in Castlemaine thanks to a $4 million investment from the Victorian Government.
Together with Dhelkaya Health, Bendigo TAFE is establishing a transformative Health and Learning Hub in the heart of Castlemaine with students expected to start training on site in mid to late 2025.
The innovative regional initiative will bring vital training prospects to the region and expand the pipeline of much needed qualified healthcare workers.
Comments for attributing, Sally Curtain, CEO Bendigo TAFE:
“Bendigo TAFE is world-leading in vocational education and training through modern facilities and industry-experienced teachers, equipping our students with in-demand skills of the future.
“It was a privilege to host the High Commissioner of India to Australia, His Excellency Gopal Baglay, at our Health and Community Centre of Excellence.
“This visit highlights the strong ties between India and Australia in the field of education, and Bendigo TAFE’s leadership and innovation in delivering vital training in critical skill shortage areas like health care.
“We look forward to continually collaborating with our overseas counterparts to share innovative ideas and best practices to advance vocational training and skills development within and beyond our shores.”
